My brief experience with 15/50 oil

[docjohn]

I just switched back to 10/30 mobil 1 after about 2 mo with 15/50 mobil 1.The heavier oil does affect cold starting.At temps below 70 the car would fire-up and die until the 5-6th attempt and then fine,no check engine lights,thankfully.So in my quest to protect the car at the track I was beating it up in the morning,but no more of that sillyness.

 

[jorligan]

You could always try 5w60 like in the M3, on the other hand, the M3 engines are still blowing up. Seriously though, if you think you need something heavier, you could always try the 5w60 but the only place I can get it is at the BMW dealer..........$10/quart.

Tim

 

[DONYMO]

I really think this oil viscosity thing has been so over-analyzed.

I say put in the Mobil-1 10W30 (which is what Honda specifically says to use in our NSX) and everything will be ok.

If you change the oil and filter every 3000 or so miles and use the Mobil-1 10W30, I would be willing to bet that you will never have an oil related failure.

 

[12AMNSX]

Using heavy weight oil in an engine designed for 10/30 can seriously damage your bearings. Engines designed for 5/30 or 10/30 oil have very tight bearing clearances and need oil that has a low enough viscosity to maintain constant saturation. High viscosity oil can create a "hydraulic wedge" that will allow metal to metal wear and eventual bearing failure. I wouldn't think that I know better than the engineers who designed my engine. Using heavy weight oil in a modern engine is not only unnecessary but also potentially a great way to give more money to your mechanic. The only exception that I could think of is an engine that is race built and has bearing clearances to accommodate heavier oil.

 

[docjohn]

That makes sense to me ,thanx for all your input,now how bout that 0/40 that mercedes uses as oem?,,hmmmmmmm,I better quit while I'm behind.

 

[Ponyboy]

Hey docjohn, how about getting an oil cooler to keep the oil temps low?

 

[Jin1976]

Correct me if I'm wrong. If the car is old let's say almost 10 years like mine, you suppose to use thicker oil.

I use Mobil 1 15W-50 Trisynthetic and is doing alright but again the place where I live is always summer all year around.